The papers consist of correspondence and other material relating to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862); his brother, Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902); and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926).

Significant items are Civil War letters (March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson; Samuel's reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester, May and June 1862; 3 wartime letters (1863; 1865) written by Samuel's brother Abram Fulkerson, two of which were written while he was a prisoner of war; and a letter of appreciation, September 1862, written by Gen. Stonewall Jackson following Samuel's death in battle. In addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include the Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown; death of Turner Ashby; refugee and civilian life; camp life; many references to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel's assessment of his character and Abram's reflections following the General's death. Also included are biographical and genealogical material; business and financial papers of Samuel V. Fulkerson (VMI Class of 1884), Abram's son; and miscellaneous family correspondence.

Biographical note

Samuel V. Fulkerson, a son of Col. Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Vance, was born in Washington County, Virginia on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. Samuel served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to the practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors from 1852-1854 and from 1857-1858. During the war, he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. Samuel was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill on June 26, 1862; survivors included siblings (he did not marry).

Abram Fulkerson, Jr., younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson, was born May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the "Immortal 600"). After the war he continued the practice of law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States Congress. He married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1862; they had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson, VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkerson died at Bristol, Virginia on December 17, 1902.

Samuel V. Fulkerson, the son of Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson, was born at Abingdon, Virginia on October 22, 1863. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, VA) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, U.S. Volunteers. Samuel married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas in 1904; they had twin sons, born April 1906. He died July 2, 1926 at Virginia Beach, VA; he is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol, VA.

The VMI experience is framed by relevant education within a military environment. It’s an education that develops character, fosters a lifelong appreciation of physical fitness,engenders a sense of responsibility to others, and cultivates
the ability to master adversity.